Run for Cover
Streetwalkers Lyrics


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Chapman-Whitney

Run for cover, run for shade though the heat’s blistering
Buddy, you don’t owe me a thing.

Light your light in some tower, if it dims within the hour
Buddy, you don’t owe me a thing.
Treading high on some wine might suit you just fine
But buddy, buddy, ..... , you don’t owe me a thing.

So cross me up or cross me down
The only way that I’ll be found
Is when I’m feeding worms beneath the ground.

From one to ten all greedy men
May eat away the crust again
But only I will know what’s in the pie.

Sealing wax and poker face
I learned to keep the extra ace
And I won’t fall off that precipice again, no.

No hawk-eyed hunter ever shot
Or picked a better spot to see
How hot the game has got beneath you.

Run for cover, make it plain, run you over, try to stop this train
Buddy, you don’t owe me a thing.

Stamp your seal, hang your plaque, I don’t give no Jumping Jack
Buddy, you don’t owe me a thing.

Hang a sign upon your tail, oh I, I just use a nail
Buddy, you don’t owe me a thing.

So cross me up or cross me down
The only way that I’ll be found
Is when I’m feeding worms beneath the ground, yeah.

From one to ten all greedy men
May eat away the crust again
But only I will know what’s in the pie.

Sealing wax and poker face
I, I learned to keep the extra ace
And I won’t fall off off that precipice again.

No hawk-eyed hunter ever shot
Or picked a better spot to see
How hot the game has got beneath you.

Got to get the walkers out the way of the train




Got to get the walkers out the way of the train
Got to get the walkers out the way of the train ...

Overall Meaning

The song "Run For Cover" by Streetwalkers is a cautionary tale about greed and the consequences that come with it. The lyrics warn against those who are only concerned with their own self-interest and are willing to do whatever it takes to get ahead. The line "run for cover, run for shade though the heat's blistering" suggests that staying in the sun too long, or being too exposed, might be dangerous, and that one should seek shelter or protection from the harshness of life. The next line "buddy, you don't owe me a thing" seems to be a message to someone who may have been indebted to the singer in some way, that they are no longer bound by that obligation.


The song goes on to talk about the dangers of excess, using the line "treading high on some wine might suit you just fine, but buddy, buddy, you don't owe me a thing" to underscore the idea that indulgence and overindulgence can lead to destructive behavior. The line "from one to ten all greedy men may eat away the crust again, but only I will know what's in the pie" suggests that while others may benefit from someone's greed, they will never truly know the full extent of what they have lost or missed out on.


Overall, "Run For Cover" is a song that speaks to the idea that there are consequences for our actions, and that those who pursue their own interests at the expense of others are likely to suffer in the end.


Line by Line Meaning

Run for cover, run for shade though the heat’s blistering
Find shelter, get out of the sun's burning heat


Buddy, you don’t owe me a thing.
There are no debts between us


Light your light in some tower, if it dims within the hour
You may shine bright for a moment, but then fade away


Treading high on some wine might suit you just fine But buddy, buddy, ..... , you don’t owe me a thing.
You might enjoy life's pleasures, but our relationship remains obligation-free


So cross me up or cross me down The only way that I’ll be found Is when I’m feeding worms beneath the ground.
Whether you help or betray me, I'll only be remembered after death


From one to ten all greedy men May eat away the crust again But only I will know what’s in the pie.
Many greedy people may try to take a piece of the pie, but only I know what's truly inside


Sealing wax and poker face I learned to keep the extra ace And I won’t fall off that precipice again, no.
I've learned to hide my emotions and keep a winning strategy, and won't make the same mistake twice


No hawk-eyed hunter ever shot Or picked a better spot to see How hot the game has got beneath you.
No one has a better view of how heated the situation has become


Run for cover, make it plain, run you over, try to stop this train Buddy, you don’t owe me a thing.
Clear the way, this train is unstoppable, but our relationship is without obligation


Stamp your seal, hang your plaque, I don’t give no Jumping Jack Buddy, you don’t owe me a thing.
You may show off your credentials, but that doesn't affect our lack of obligation


Hang a sign upon your tail, oh I, I just use a nail Buddy, you don’t owe me a thing.
You may show your true colors, but I stick to the facts and our lack of obligation


Got to get the walkers out the way of the train Got to get the walkers out the way of the train Got to get the walkers out the way of the train ...
Clear the path for progress




Contributed by Eliana I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@pop21000

Was 17 in 77 when i bought the red card Album and also the live album Thought i would never see this band from my eyes ! Thanks youtube ! thanks +++ Delius98 for posting these great songs !!

@TheSeafordian

Bob Tench has been in so many good bands.

@sonvolt9938

I never thought I would see Streetwalkers playing live. I have Viscous But fair and Red Card on vinyl,loved this band since the 70's. Thanks for posting this. Without you tube I never would have seen this footage. Fucking Awesome!

@Mangocrazytoo

Still gigging now , just seen this track live first time played since 70’s shocked us regulars to Shortlist gigs, join Family app soc .com

@Mangocrazytoo

Shocked the living daylights out of us, January 2020 when this was played live saw all three gigs, so privileged, Red Card my favourite album, then Kiss my Soul, wow you have missed some treats all these years.

@nightstarmusic7

I've listened to this song for 20 years, and it still just destroys me.

@mbs277w

Red Card is one of my most fave albums of all time also - unbeatable songs/voice/band!!! Great stuff.

@rogerwelsh2335

1st time watching this band. this dude can sing his ass off

@maraluciaduclosduclos7496

Wonderful music.

@kenbrice6075

Roger and Charlie doing a amazing music with great backup musicians. Family. What an awesome amazing band!

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